Broadening the APWSS Horizon in the Asian-Pacific Region

The major challenge facing the Asian-Pacific Weed Scientists and land managers in the region is to develop the most effective and sustainable weed management approaches for all systems, including agriculture and natural land systems. Whatever weed management approach we develop must be sustainable, in both the short- and long-term, and acceptable as safe for the community, wildlife, and the natural environment. Given my previous involvements with the APWSS, in this inaugural issue of the APWSS Journal, I wish to reflect upon how the Society may assist all member countries, particularly, those which are yet to be affiliated to the Society. We are challenged by the rapidly increasing human population in our region, food scarcity, some new weed problems, a changing climate and special problems, such as the development of herbicide resistance, as a result of overuse of herbicides and unsustainable farming practices. What options do we have to meet these challenges? I propose that APWSS must expand its involvement across the region, and to do so, requires a renewed effort to obtain funding from donors for more training, seminars, and conferences on weeds. As our founders expected, we must also develop a programme to assist various governments and agencies of different countries to identify national needs on weed-related matters and solutions.